More lyman 310 questions

[Muskrat Mike]

I'm having fun collecting and learning to use the lyman 310 in the tongs and the truline jr but need to ask some more questions. I know that the pistol dies like 38 special marked 38 spec FL are full length sizers and the dies marked MR are for neck sizing but the ones marked CMR, are they always caliber specific and do they neck size in addition to decapping?:-?
Thanks again in advance for any help!

[floodgate]

Mike:

Yes, the CMR's both neck size and decap, and some can handle more than one caliber, like .38 Spl. / .357 Mag., etc., etc. The FL's will also expand the neck for bottle-neck cases, but only work in the late Tru-Line Jrs. with the compound links; the older ones don't have the needed leverage, nor - of course - do the 310's.

The 1995 14th Edition of the "Handloaders Digest" has a fine article on the 310 tools and dies, pp. 128 - 136.

floodgate

[Muskrat Mike]

Thanks! I'm finding I really like the expanding dies for cast bullets, they must have been the predecessor to the "M" dies and the crimps are great also.

[floodgate]

Mike:


Thanks! I'm finding I really like the expanding dies for cast bullets, they must have been the predecessor to the "M" dies....

Yes, they were.

Fg

[Hipshot]

Does Lyman still make the M dies----I have been looking for them in different catalogs and haven't seen them ! I haven't checked Lyman's website though---------are the Lee dies any good?

Hipshot

[hydraulic]

Midway catalog #31-page 343

[afish4570]

I have been bidding and trying to buy some used molds on Ebay and like everyone says you could buy new for the price differential on the current production items. Are there any other "stores" I should be looking at for Lee, Lyman, RCBS molds. Lee are probably best bought new cause of the possibility of a knit -wit messing up an aluminum mold and the low costs. I have thought to get a 6mm mold and would like to hear some input as to which ones are the best. I have an older 6mm Rem 700 and would like to try it out (uses 1/2 the lead of my 30 cal. molds too). I remember reading along time ago that the long slender 6mm slugs must be handled carefully due to the ease of "bending them"..afish4570:roll::roll:

[ktw]

Are there any other "stores" I should be looking at for Lee, Lyman, RCBS molds.

Midsouth tends to have the best prices on new blocks. You can also check at Midway, Graf & Sons, Lock Stock & Barrel, Buffalo Arms, Auction Arms, etc.


I have thought to get a 6mm mold and would like to hear some input as to which ones are the best.

RCBS 24-95-SP or Lyman 245496 (84 gr loverin).

-ktw

[StrawHat]

The 310 tool is great for some cartridges, I don't think I'd try to feed my 38 Special, but for my 405 it is perfect.

Lyman, unfortunately, does not stock or make a wide variety of chamberings.

If you have not visited here, do so.

http://www.cnyauctions.com/the310shop.htm

Randy is a knowledgeable fellow and gives good advise.

He also has some hard to locate dies. And is making ones he can't find.

Need 310 dies for the 41 COlt, 50-70 or 405WCF? He's got them!

[Muskrat Mike]

This may be a dumb question but how critical is it that you have both small and large handles for the different 310 dies?? There doesn't seem to be much difference in the length of Threaded part that accepts the dies and it seems some dies would work in either size??:confused:

[HeavyMetal]

I believe it has to do with the size of the cartridge your reloading.

The large handles for rifle the small for pistol rounds!

[floodgate]

Mike:

It really depends on the individual caibers, dies and handles; In the mid-sizes like - say - the .30-30 family or .243/.308, you could probably get by with either handle; but a .380 or .45 ACP would definitely need the small handles, and a .300 H&H the large ones. I just keep both sizes handy.

floodgate

[Boerrancher]

I have used the 310 tool and dies for years. I only have the large handles not the small, but the shortest thing I load is the 25-20, and the longest case I load is the .300 win mag. I know for a fact that the short handles would not work for the .300 win mag because the large handles are almost to small when trying to seat the longer heaver match bullets. I am also pretty sure Floodgate is correct about the 380, and 45 acp being too short for the large handles.

Best Wishes,

CPT T.